While writing my most recent DIY (vanilla bean extract) I texted my family’s group chat — “did you know that vanilla beans are orchid seed?!” Later, we […]
Tag: Aldona Bird
Eclipse in totality worth a road trip
“It gets dark every night!” vented a stressed cashier at a sub shop in Ohio on the afternoon of the eclipse. He was complaining about having too […]
Country girl visits the big city — and loves it
When I told my sister the topic for this column, she said “the headlines will read; ‘Preston County family goes to the big city.’” Despite my sister’s […]
Easter feast made sweeter by desserts — and family
Feasts are important. I’ve always liked my family’s Easter feasting tradition because while we no longer are tied particularly to seasonal food, I’m reminded that until very […]
Squirrels stir up morning routine
My morning routine involves brewing tea or coffee and enjoying at my kitchen table. From this vantage point I can see a large maple tree in front […]
New crafting obsession takes flight
Recently I decided I need a new hobby. This was an odd impulse; I don’t really have time or space for more projects. Yet, there I was […]
Conference looks at importance of arts in communities
Last week I went to my first professional conference: the Arts in Our Communities conference in Charleston. This two-day conference was free to attend, and open to […]
Mon Valley Mushrooms brings fresh fungi to the table
After eating a particularly pungent shiitake mushroom a couple years ago, my daughter decided then and there that she didn’t like any mushrooms. Recently, she begged for […]
Board games a fun way to go offline
For a few days around Christmas, when my family was all together, we decided to stay off our phones. I turned on my “do not disturb” setting […]
Jar family grows in fridge
BY ALDONA BIRD Many jars have long-term residences in my fridge. Some of them come and then depart at excruciatingly slow rates (with just a little of […]